obtention
/ɔp.tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/
In French, the phrase "obtaining" is translated as obtention.
In professional, academic or formal contexts, you may use the verb obtenir to mean "to obtain". If you are describing the act of obtaining something from a specific source, you can use the phrase obtenir quelque chose de. To express the act of obtaining permission to do something, the phrase recevoir l'autorisation de is used. If the context involves retrieving something from a source, the phrase récupérer quelque chose auprès de is appropriate.
Which one should you use?
The verb obtenir is a common and general way to say "to obtain" in formal or professional settings. In legal contexts, the verb recevoir can be used to indicate obtaining something through due process.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔp.tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/
Did you know?
- Because obtention is a formal term, using it in a casual setting, like getting a snack from a vending machine, would sound humorous or overly pompous to a native speaker.
- The phrase obtenir gain de cause is a common French idiom meaning to win a legal case or to have one's point accepted in an argument.
- The root of obtention comes from the Latin word teneō, which means 'to hold'. This links the act of obtaining something to the physical act of holding it in one's hand.
Examples in context
- J'ai obtenu mon diplômeI have obtained my diploma
- Elle a reçu l'autorisation de s'installer iciShe has obtained permission to settle here
- Je vais récupérer mon colis demainI'm going to get my package tomorrow
- Nous avons obtenu le financement pour notre projet.We obtained the funding for our project.
- L'obtention de ce permis est difficile.Obtaining this permit is difficult.
- Félicitations pour l'obtention de votre diplôme !Congratulations on obtaining your degree!
- L'obtention d'un visa prend du temps.Obtaining a visa takes time.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing a job application process.
- ChloéAs-tu toutes les pièces pour le dossier ?Do you have all the documents for the file?
- NathanNon, j'attends encore l'obtention de mon permis.No, I am still waiting for the obtaining of my permit.
- ChloéC'est long d'habitude, n'est-ce pas ?It's usually long, isn't it?
- NathanOui, c'est très lent.Yes, it is very slow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry obtention, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
